9 September 2020 04:50 pm
While claiming that she was not involved in the case against MP Premalal Jayasekara as alleged by him, former Justice Minister Thalatha Athukorala MP said today that MP Jayasekara was convicted to death after considering evidence of 42 people.
Raising a privilege issue in Parliament, Ms Athukorala said MP Jayasekara had made a false allegation that she, as the justice minister, had interfered in the case against him and said she regretted and protested over the allegation.
“I assumed duties as the Justice Minister on August, 8, 2017. The case against MP Premalal was in progress at that time. I have not in any way influenced the Attorney General or lawyers regarding the case. I have not misused my powers and authority as the justice minister,” she said.
MP Athukorala said Jayasekara had also alleged that she was behind the murder of a relative of his in 2001 and added that it was surprising for him to make such allegations after 20 years.
“He was a member of the government since 2004. He could have filed a case and take action against me. He is making false allegations after 20 years,” she said. (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)